The smaller IRC networks - less than 1,000 maximum users

For convenience and speed, the (many) small networks are listed on two
pages. This page contains the more established and larger ones, whereas page two lists the newer, smaller and less stable
small networks - and those which didn’t fit on this page. This doesn’t
mean that they’re bad - many of them are
worth a try.

MultiNET (LiquiNet/UpperNet)
Very relaxed atmosphere, this product of the
LiquiNet/UpperNet merger is an excellent place to escape to with your
friends for peaceful meetings under good conditions if you’re not
willing to bother with formalities like registration and stuff.
Servers: 10
Locations: Bulgaria, Czech Rep., Netherlands, Sweden, USA
Max users: <100
Services: None
Operator channel: #operServer list

WarpedNet
Part of what used to be the Innernet now goes by this name as a network
promising to let users run their channels themselves and keep the
operators where they should be, in the background, running the servers.
The #Amiga channel appears to be most prominent.
Servers: 13
Locations: Australia, Canada, UK, USA
Default port: 6667
Max users: est. 150+
Services: None
Started: October 1996
Operator channel: #speireServer list.

Othernet
Even if it does look like other small nets, its channel service interface
is unique and easier to use than most others. This net also features
various odd clients written by the admins.
Servers: 10
Locations: UK, USA
Default ports: 6667
Max users: >250
Services: Channel (X)
Started: April 1997
Operator channel: #helpServer list

EsperNet
EsperNet is one of the more organized small networks, best known for the
public release of the Services created and used on the network. Originally
started by an FF RPG group, their userbase is now much more general.
Servers: 7
Locations: Canada, UK, USA
Default port: 5555
Max users: >150
Services: Channel (ChanServ), Nick (NickServ), Memo (MemoServ)
Started: July 1996
Operator channel: #DragonWeyr
Restrictive policies: No porn, sex, warez channelsServer list